Every year at this time the Lake Norman area comes alive with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, Halloween festivities for all ages and homes decorated to welcome all of our young trick -or -treaters. Many of our subdivisions and communities around Lake Norman have their own neighborhood events that are really popular and are a great way to get to know your neighbors. But here are some more options from kid-friendly to oh-so scary:

If you are in search of a pumpkin patch:

Carrigan Farms: Hayrides to the pumpkin patch on the weekends from 9-4pm. Pick a pumpkin, visit the animals and have some fresh apple cider.

Patterson Farm: Pumpkin patch is open with tours through the end of October. See their website link above for more details as they have a lot going on this month!

Davidson United Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch for Missions . Carving pumpkins, decorative gourds and corn husks, and hay bales–all from local farmers–are for sale through November 4th on the lawn of the Molly McKay House, 260 S. Main Street, Davidson. 11:00am -7pm week days and 10:00am – 8pm on weekends

Or, just look to any of our many local produce stands like Josh’s Farmers Market on Williamson Road in Mooresville who are already brimming over with pumpkins and decorations for your Lake Norman home!

Of course, it would not be Halloween without some fun, and even spooky events for all ages and Lake Norman is full of options!

This year, Carrigan Farms’Scarrigan Farms is supposed to be so scary that moms enjoying smores on the other side of the quarry can hear their kids screaming as they walk through the haunted trail. As they say on their website: “This is not a trail for kids. If you’re under 12 come back when you’re old enough. We’ll be waiting. If someone hasn’t peed in their pants by the end of the night we know haven’t done our job.” Come gather around the bonfires, at the well-known Carrigan Farms Rock Quarry, before or after you enter the haunted trail. Visit Scrarrigan Farms on Facebook. It began October 3rd and continues Friday to Sunday nights through November 2nd and includes Thursday, October 31st of course!

The Latta Plantation has several fun events for Halloween: Ghost Walk Haunted Trail: October 23-24. The Latta grounds are transformed into a gloomy haunted sight as visitors wind through the dark forest, dart through the terrifying barn, and hesitantly enter the haunted house. If you are up for a good scare, then this is for you! Not suggested for children under 10. Admission $10.00 Per-Person, all tickets sold at the event. On Oct. 31st from 10:00 – 2pmis their All Hallow’s Eve: Enjoy a celebration of all things Halloween at this fun Family Day. Children will be able to take part in many activities including: Trick-or-Treating, Kids Games, Pumpkin Painting, Face Painting, Story Telling, Kids Crafts, learning the History of Halloween, and Costume Contests! Dress like your favorite Historical Character for a chance to win a special prize! Admission: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors/Students, FREE for children 5 & under.. Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. For more information: Latta Plantation.

Downtown Davidson’s Halloween March on Main Street in Davidson. October 30th 5-7 pm. Free. Costumed characters of all ages are invited to march and collect Halloween treats from the Downtown Merchants. Starts at the Town Hall.

Downtown Statesville Trick or Treating: October 30th: 4-6pm. Downtown Statesville at Broad Street and Center Street. Free! It’s that time of year again when all the little ghosts and goblins converge on our downtown businesses to receive their treats. Trick or Treating will take place in the Downtown Business District on Thursday, October 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. Participating businesses will give away candy to costumed kids aged 12 and younger. Please mark your calendars! As in years past, an orange pumpkin with the downtown logo will be displayed in the window of those businesses that are participating in this event.

Haunted Statesville Tours! Oct. 16-17 and 23-24. Come if you dare! This walking ghost tour is full of old stories and legends from Statesville’s past. Step beyond the beauty of Statesville’s historic downtown and discover its true haunted history–where tales of spirits, scary creatures, mysterious deaths and creepy alleys become real. Tours run every half hour between 6:30 – 8 pm. Tickets are $10 per person and reservations are required. Haunted Statesville is a walking ghost tour full of old stories and legends from Statesville’s past. Tours being inside the newly renovated City Hall and step beyond the beauty of Statesville’s historic downtown and discover its true haunted history–where tales of spirits, scary creatures, mysterious deaths and creepy alleys become real. Historic Downtown Statesville, City Hall (227 S. Center Street) on the corner of East Front and South Center Streets. 704-878-3436.

NEW! First United Methodist Haunted Trail and Trunk or Treat: Located at the 1st United Methodist Church at 204 Mills Ave. in Troutman on October 30th from 6:30-8:30 and October 31st from 5:00 – 8:30pm, guests can walk the haunted trail and there will be a trunk of treat event along with games, snacks and a costume contest!

Did I miss anything? Let me know and I will add your events to my list!